Patriarch of Baghdad: "We must stay in Iraq to build peace"
Baghdad (AsiaNews) "Iraq is our country, our homeland: why should we leave, why should we not stay?" Though saddened by this latest episode of violence against Christians, the Catholic Chaldean Patriarch, Monsignor Emmanuel Delly, stresses that terrorism has struck and continues to strike Muslims as well. Monsignor Delly reaffirms that Christians are firmly resolved to remaining in Iraq and to building, along with their Muslim brothers, a future of peace for their country: "This is our homeland: at the moment, dark clouds are crossing over it, but they will surely pass. Peace will return to this martyred land."
In an interview with AsiaNews, the Catholic patriarch confirms that there was extensive damage but no victims in last night's attack against churches.
"Just as they have attacked mosques, they attacked churches also, but we thank the Lord that no one was killed or injured. There is a lot of damage to property, but no victims.
An attack carried out at the hour makes one think of a demonstrative act.
Indeed, I think so. The attack occurred at 4:30 a.m. and the church at that hour was deserted, as everyone was asleep. There was certainly material damage, but that can be fixed: what counts is that there were no victims.
Who stands to gain from attacks against churches?
These are inhumane acts, but on behalf of Iraqi Christians, I ask everyone to pray that those who do such things see the light. We must work together to build peace and the good of our country.
This is a significant moment for Muslims: Ramadan has just started...
Their homes too have been attacked, therefore these difficulties are shared by both groups and by all those who want peace. Religion is in favour of God and peace, not violence . . .
Do you think there will be an increase in violence during the month?
Let's hope not, because the month of Ramadan is a chance for reflexion and prayer. I really hope it will be a month of tranquility and stability and that such episodes of violence never happen again.
What do you ask of us, as Catholics, and of the West in its entirety?
I would like to make an appeal: I ask you to pray for Iraq. All I ask is prayer, because nothing else can prevent such acts of violence from happening again in the future. May the Lord touch the minds of these people, those who do not want the good of Iraq. (DS)
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04/01/2005
